Sat., Feb. 22 – Human 2.0 – Judgment & Mercy

To prepare for worship tomorrow, read ahead through the seventh chapter through chapter 8:11 of the gospel of John.  Jesus reveals more truth about who he is and speaks words difficult for some to hear.

What quenches the thirsting of your soul?

Read the whole chapter and answer the following questions:

1)  What word, phrase or image lingers in my thoughts?

2)  Where/How does this chapter connect with my life?

3)  What does God want me to do or be in response to his Word?

Friday, February 21 – On the water... by Lou Hanson

“Don’t be afraid,” Jesus told them, “it is I!”      —John 6:20 (TEV)

I saw the disciples getting into their boat without Jesus, setting off across the water as the sky darkened and life got dicey.  It is like that in our lives when circumstances tighten around us, strangling our emotions down into a hard little knot of fear and discomfort.  Then out of that darkness Jesus appears walking on water (another miracle of proof).  Do we believe He is there to comfort us, or is it just another false hope of safety?  He, who is the comforter in our need, reaches out in love and great compassion, "Do not be afraid, it is I." 

Is our belief strong enough to respond and let Him into the ‘boat,’ or do we cower in fear?  How is it that we reach out to Him in times of trial, yet not so much in everyday life? Is He not always there?

As the disciples forget themselves, they reach out to Jesus in welcome and receive His sanctuary.  I’m intrigued that their initial response is cautious and slow, yet when their hand is out in trust and acceptance, Jesus is IMMEDIATELY there (vs. 21). 

Can it be so with us?

Lord, you walk upon the turbulent water of my life.  Give me the peace of your presence; open my heart to invite you into my boat.

Thursday, Feb. 20 – Faithfulness, Gentleness & Self-control

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness, and self-control. –Galatians 5:22-23 (NLT)

Add these last three to the other six that are firmly planted in your mind.  These last three aren’t as ‘honored’ as the first six are they?  They don’t get the praise and press as their “louder” siblings.  They’re quiet and in the background, but they give us great strength.  Do you remember the Arabian (?) proverb attributed to St. Francis de Sales?

“Nothing is so strong as gentleness,
  Nothing so gentle as real strength.”

Today, where do you find/need faithfulness?

Where do you find/need gentleness?

Where do you find/need self-control?

Jesus, I am weak but you are strong.  Grant me your strength to live in faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Wednesday, February 19 – Patience, Kindness, Goodness

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness, and self-control.  –Galatians 5:22-23 (NLT)

Add the next three to the first three, repeating them until their firmly planted in your brain.  Then use your imagination to see them operative in your life.  Write a note or two for each one below:

Where do you find/need patience?

Where do you find/need kindness?

Where do you find/need goodness? (generosity in the NRSV)

Oh, Lord, renew a right Spirit of patience, kindness, and goodness within me.

Tuesday, February 18 – Three helpings at a time

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness, and self-control.   –Galatians 5:22-23 (NLT)

I don’t know how you best memorize, but I take small bites at a time.  I also let my imagination create pictures that help me remember.

So, today, memorize the first three fruit of the Spirit...and let your imagination take you to places where you can find them, “eat” them and share them with others.  Note where & when they turn up today...

Holy Spirit, guide me to see, taste, relish, and share the fruit of your presence in my life today as I am mindful of love...joy...peace...